Australia Women vs South Africa Women Prediction & Preview – T20 World Cup 2026
Match summary
Australia meet South Africa at Old Trafford, a rematch of the 2024 semi-final. Our 3rd match preview covers form, likely XIs, pitch and weather.
Match details
| Match | Australia Women vs South Africa Women, 3rd Match |
|---|---|
| Series | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | 13 Jun 2026 |
| Start time | 1:30 pm GMT / 2:30 pm local |
| Venue | Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Australia Women |
| Toss pick | South Africa Women |
Matches in this series
Match preview
This early group fixture brings together two sides with a recent history. Australia go into the tournament with unfinished business after South Africa beat them in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. They are chasing a record-extending seventh title and will see this match as a chance to settle that score.
South Africa arrive with plenty of belief. The Proteas have reached the finals of the last three ICC global events they have played, namely the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cups and the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Though they were beaten each time, those runs have made them one of the most competitive teams in the women’s game.
Their confidence has also been lifted by a 4-1 series win over India earlier this year. With experience and momentum on their side, they are determined to end the wait for a first major ICC trophy, which makes Australia’s opening-phase test a demanding one.
Old Trafford generally offers a balanced surface. Seamers can find swing and movement early, particularly under cloud, before the pitch settles and batters can play more freely. Spinners may get some grip in the middle overs. Teams typically target 150–170 in the first innings, and anything above 175 is considered strong.
A mild, mostly cloudy English summer afternoon is forecast, with temperatures of about 18–21°C and bright spells. There is a slight to moderate chance of light showers that could bring short interruptions, but no prolonged rain is expected. A gentle breeze may help swing early on.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 145–170 | – |
| Second innings | 140–165 | – |
Australia Women
Australia have the depth and the motivation after their 2024 semi-final loss, though South Africa’s recent run of finals makes this a close contest.
Toss pick: South Africa Women
FAQ
Who is favoured in Australia Women vs South Africa Women?
Our preview picks Australia, based on their depth and tournament pedigree, although South Africa have been very competitive in recent global events.
How have South Africa Women fared in recent ICC tournaments?
They reached the finals of the 2023 and 2024 Women’s T20 World Cups and the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, losing each time.
What are the typical T20 scores at Old Trafford?
First-innings totals of about 150–170 are the norm, with 175 or more regarded as a strong score.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Australia Women
- Beth Mooneywk
- Georgia Voll
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Ellyse Perry
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Grace Harris
- Georgia Wareham
- Annabel Sutherland
- Sophie Molineuxc
- Kim Garth
- Megan Schutt
South Africa Women
- Laura Wolvaardtc
- Sune Luus
- Tazmin Brits
- Dane van Niekerk
- Marizanne Kapp
- Nadine de Klerk
- Chloe Tryon
- Sinalo Jaftawk
- Shabnim Ismail
- Nonkululeko Mlaba
- Ayabonga Khaka